Counter-Strike maps have various sizes and shapes, but the foundation of competitive CS2 is seven maps. The last update to the map set was released on April 25, 2024, as shown in the latest release notes for Counter-Strike 2.
Since the last update, the competitive map set, Premier player picks, and Active Duty Group now have Dust 2 instead of Overpass.
Before you plan a big game for yourself and your friends, we recommend you look at this ranking of 10 CS2 maps first. We may be subjective, but our ranking from worst to best for 10 CS2m maps: Mirage, Nuke, Dust 2, Ancient, Anubis, Inferno, Vertigo, Office, Overpass, and Italy.
Here are some interesting thoughts on the cards on Reddit.
Contents [show]
Highlights
- Top 10 best maps in CS2 with an explanation of the reasons for their superiority
- CS2 maps for different modes
Top-10 Best Maps in CS2
Mirage
Mirage
Mirage is a favorite option for many players. The map boasts a well-balanced and adaptable battlefield.
Mirage has firmly established itself as an outstanding force in the competitive gaming scene. Its clever design ensures that terrorist and counter-terrorist teams have an equal chance of winning, a critical feature for any competitive setting. The map is divided into two main zones, “Side A” and “Side B.”
Mirage’s design enriches the gameplay with tactical complexity. The balanced interaction of lines of sight and bottlenecks on the map requires strategic planning and precise execution.
Nuke
Nuke
Nuke appeared in the game in 1999 and is a complex two-level map that has maintained its dominance on the CT side despite several updates and tweaks.
Nuke’s gameplay is challenging, making it an exceptional option for players looking to improve their skills and outsmart their opponents.
Nuke transports players to the tense environment of a nuclear power plant, offering an atypical setting that differs from CS2’s traditional map design.
Nuke is characterized by its vertically stacked bomb laying points, which makes the strategy much more difficult. This vertical placement forces teams to think tactically about lateral movement and vertical interaction between floors.
Nuke is noticeably smaller than some other CS2 maps. Its compactness often results in opponents unexpectedly crossing paths in close combat.
Dust II
Dust II map
Its design is instantly recognizable, featuring iconic landmarks such as A Long and B Bombsite. The layout is etched into the memories of CS2 players around the world.
Dust II is famous because it is one of the most balanced maps. It gives CT a fair chance to defend and capture objectives and offers many different attack opportunities. Players must navigate tunnels, cross open terrain, and engage in intense firefights.
The balanced map is excellent for newcomers and those who have been playing CS2 for a while. Unfortunately, it is currently not among the Premier maps.
Players have their own opinions about this map. We’ll leave you with a link to Reddit.
Ancient
Ancient map
The main gameplay of Ancient revolves around “Points A” and “B,” which are located among ancient structures.
Ancient is designed to provide competitive balance, a critical factor for any successful competitive map. The map’s layout ensures that neither the terrorist nor the counter-terrorist side has an inherent advantage.
Anubis
Anubis map
The game’s action takes place in the mystical kingdom of Ancient Egypt so that you will be enveloped in a historical atmosphere. The central middle part of Anubis is thoughtfully divided into upper and lower tiers. This division gives you unique tactical advantages, allowing you to differentiate positioning and command control points and make strategic flanking maneuvers.
The versatile map layout forces players to constantly evolve their tactics to gain the upper hand over opponents.
Inferno
Inferno map
Inferno’s status as a classic map is maintained by reliably delivering intense competitive gameplay. Its balanced design and strategic zones create an environment where teamwork, precise coordination, and quick decision-making are essential.
The layout of Inferno can be confusing for newcomers because of all those stairs, mini-tunnels, and routes. Nevertheless, it retains the traditional elements of most CS:GO maps two squares and a middle area.
Inferno is famous for its critical areas, which are vital to mastering the gameplay dynamics of the map:
- Banana
- Middle
- Second Middle
- Apartments.
Vertigo
Vertigo map
Vertigo is back and is once again a divisive map that prioritizes information gathering and vertical gameplay.
While opinions about Vertigo may be polarized, mastering this map requires a deep understanding of Counter-Strike fundamentals.
Vertigo is known for the constant danger of falling from the heights of the map. The constant threat of a fatal fall adds a focus unrivaled in other maps.
Office
Office map
The Office has received a refreshing update with the Source 2 engine. One notable improvement is the improved way of breaking glass in the game.
Office stands out for its unique hostage scenario. Players must either rescue hostages as counter-terrorists or prevent their rescue as terrorists.
Winning as terrorists can be exceptionally difficult due to the significant advantage that counter-terrorists have in terms of positioning relative to hostages. This imbalance in gameplay creates a tactical problem.
Office rewards creative strategies, teamwork, and careful planning in attack.
Overpass
Overpass map
Overpass could have impressed Counter-Strike tournament organizers and professional players. It is currently one of the least popular maps and the only map that still needs to be played even once in the PGL Major Copenhagen playoffs. So, it’s no surprise that Valve removed Overpass from the official map pool for the pro scene.
With many paths, underground passages, and areas to visit, Overpass is the most challenging map. It is poorly balanced but one of the most defensible in the game. While the terrorists have multiple avenues of attack, the counter-terrorist team still has a distinct advantage in defense.
The Overpass is a maze of elevations, doors, narrow corridors, park-like landscapes, and open spaces. To win, you’ll need stellar team communication, a talented coach, accurate challenge timing, and an intelligent IGL.
Italy
Italy map
The Italy map offers players narrow routes that encourage intense hand-to-hand combat and also allow for long-range combat.
The Marketplace, known for its intense combat scenarios, is the most extensive and accessible segment, offering ample room for maneuvering. Italy is exceptionally accessible, thanks to the numerous buildings and houses that players can enter.
The first thing to note is the scenic beauty, which transports us to northern Italy. There are many references to the real world here. For example, the street sign “Bixio” hints at the connection with the town of Brixen in South Tyrol.
Other CS2 Maps
Thera map
According to the release notes, several new cards were released on June 25, 2024. These include Thera, Mills, Memento, Assembly, and Pool Day. Read more about these in the article CS2 Update Is Out: New Maps And Other Implementations.
You can watch gameplay on the Thera map at the link.
The Arms Race game mode was added in February 2024, along with three maps:
- Baggage
- Shoots
- Pool Day
Wingman mode maps were last updated on June 25, 2024, when Memento and Assembly maps were added:
- Overpass
- Vertigo
- Inferno
- Nuke
- Memento
- Assembly
- Assembly
Summary
You can find even more maps in the Steam Workshop. For example, there are many maps for surfing. Check them out in the article Best CS2 Surf Maps and Servers 2024.
